FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2005
Contact: Tony Rhodes
(662) 329-7119

Keller receives first Connie and Tom Kossen Faculty Excellence Award

COLUMBUS, Miss. -- “There are just too many examples to recount how he has gone above and beyond the call of duty. I am grateful that I have been able to study under such a wonderful professor,” was one of the many comments made by a recent Mississippi University for Women graduate recommending Dr. James R. Keller receive the Connie and Tom Kossen Faculty Excellence Award. 
   
Dr. Keller, professor of English and Honors College director, is the first recipient of the $5,000 award to recognize the role faculty members play as the heart of the institution.
   
“I am elated at receiving the Kossen Award and am very grateful to the Kossen's for their generous contribution and to the faculty committee for selecting me. I have been working very hard on scholarship in the time that I have been at MUW, and it is nice to know that it has not gone unappreciated,” said Keller, who has taught at MUW since 1992.
   
Tom and Connie Kossen, a 1964 alumna of MUW, established the award last year. Criteria is based on three fundamentals: excellence in teaching, excellence in scholarly or artistic achievement and excellence in service, preferable both on campus and in communities throughout MUW’s service area. 
   
Jillian Danner, the chemistry graduate who noted Keller goes beyond the call of duty, also described him as “highly intelligent,” “highly motivating” and “always entertaining.”

His direct report, Dr. Bridget Smith Pieschel, head of the Division of Humanities, said, “…consistently he has had some of the strongest student course evaluations I’ve ever read. Completely educated in the popular culture of music, film and television, he can draw parallels between the classics of literature and the real lives of the students he teaches, and they appreciate how he makes literature come alive for them.”

Dr. Keller has published three books and written 37 papers on subjects ranging from Tennessee Williams to the Blair Witches. His work has been printed in various journals and conference publications.  He is a graduate of the University of South Florida.

William “Peppy” Biddy, director of theater at MUW, appreciates Keller’s support of productions. Not only does he help in building, painting and hauling scenery, but he also shares his talents in the community. 

“Dr. Keller has established himself as a noted scholar in multiple fields, including renaissance literature, African-American literature, film and popular culture. His lectures are both enlightening and entertaining by way of a unique sense of humor…He has arranged and traveled with Honors’ students to London for specialized courses.

“We often gathered around Dr. Keller and listened as he recited dates, places, people and events from memory. He had no lecture notes and no time to prepare, but obviously, those were not necessary.” 

Victoria Prince, another recent MUW graduate, added, “Dr. Keller is a brilliant, prepared and competent professor whether lecturing in a London McDonald’s or a MUW classroom.” 

A recognized leader on campus, Keller was selected as Faculty Member of the Year in 1997.

Patricia L. Donat, professor or psychology and director of general studies and academic advising, has first hand knowledge of Keller’s effectiveness as an instructor.

“[Dr. Keller] always came to class well prepared with comprehensive notes regarding the material we were discussing for the evening. He…supported students’ attempts to synthesize material …and to apply personal knowledge to the material being discussed.” 

Donat stated as a faculty member in psychology she was a bit intimidated being in a class outside her discipline, yet Keller encouraged her to incorporate her psychology into the discussions on literature and film. 

“I believe that I benefited greatly from his ability to create a welcoming classroom environment that supported intellectual discussion of complex and potentially controversial topics.” 

Dr. Sam Gingerich, MUW’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, noted the selection process was difficult because of the quality of the individuals nominated. 

 “His commitment to his students, both in his classes and in the Honors College, and his capabilities as a scholar clearly set him apart. He clearly exemplifies the faculty members the Kossen's have elected to recognize with this award.”

On a finale note, Keller said, “I enjoy teaching for the same reason I enjoy writing.  Both activities are aesthetic experiences for me. The first time I succeeded in shaping the disparate elements of a text into a harmonious interpretation and saw that the class was visibly moved by the recognition and appreciation of the idea, the process and the literary work, I was permanently addicted to teaching. Literature is intellectual music, and the opportunity to impart an appreciation for it seems, for me, more of a privilege than a job.”